The Governor’s Office Pardons Committee is responsible for evaluating pardon requests and providing insight on who qualifies for a pardon and was initially led by the Office Leadership literallymatt, who is no longer part of the committee. literallymatt ensured that all appeals met the criteria set by the former Governor MedinaLuv, who presided over the State of Mayflower from 09/05/2023 until his “Exit Speech” resignation letter sent on 10/01/2023. At that point, all members of the Pardons Committee presumably resigned or were fired, and the MPBS could not locate all former members to provide their feedback on the committee’s previous operation under literallymatt. However, one member who did not leave the committee came forward and was chosen by Governor Arvantise, who was elected just the day after Medinaluv’s resignation, to assume the office leadership of the Pardons Committee: Bellerance.
During Bellerance’s appointment as Director of the Pardons Committee, a new structure and change in plan began to take place, which seemed to satisfy the Governor. On 10/23/2023, the Pardons Committee made its first announcement during the opening of appeals by Governor Arvantise.
“If you are an appellee, you can currently track the progress of your case on the public Trello board. The committee is actively reviewing your pardon requests, and the outcome descriptions for each case will explain why we chose to decline or approve it. If your request has been declined and you believe it was an error or misunderstanding, or if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. (..)” – The Governor’s Office Server, Office-Updates channel.
We questioned the director about the changes in the committee’s operation and the reason for making the pardons panel Trello public, considering that its existence was unknown before.
Why make the Appeals Trello public?
Bellerance, Governor’s Office Pardons Committee Director
So to provide all appellees with the right to know why their appeal was either accepted or declined. In case an appeal is declined, a staff member will comment below their card with tips for a better chance next time.
What methods can be used to write an efficient appeal?
Bellerance, Governor’s Office Pardons Committee Director
When composing your pardon, the sincerity of your words should be ingrained in our minds. Quantity is appreciated and enhances your motivation to seek forgiveness from the Governor, but quality is what you tell us about your feelings, and that is what the committee values ! !
We have noticed that the requirements for each month of pardon change, specifically the number of weeks in the “No criminal records within the past 2 weeks” line, which can sometimes vary from 1 week to 4 weeks. Why is that?
Bellerance, Governor’s Office Pardons Committee Director
We update this requirement based on the current crime rate. Information on it is provided by a special operation of the Mayflower State Police
How to know if an appeal is officially granted? When can the records be removed from the game?
Bellerance, Governor’s Office Pardons Committee Director
While the Pardons Committee’s list does not officially accept your appeal, it is forwarded to the Governor. Once the Governor signs and publicly publishes the list, you can consider your records unconditionally removed. However, the immediate in-game reflection may vary as the list is subsequently sent to the court, contingent upon the availability of a judge. It’s important to note that the Governor does not personally remove the records.
What are your plans for the committee?
Bellerance, Governor’s Office Pardons Committee Director
We aim to find a solution regarding prosecution appeals, ensuring that the committee does not entirely disrupt the progress of the court. But the final decision of pardoning someone, even in prosecution cases, rests with the Governor’s Office alone.
According to the description written by the committee on the Mayflower Pardons Form Request : when crafting an appeal for pardon, the Pardons Committee within the Governor’s office does not scrutinize the equity of the criminal record of those seeking pardon unless there is evidence of judicial bias or instances where law enforcement officers have deviated from established rules. Instead, their primary focus is directed towards a meticulous evaluation of the written statements from the appellees. They place significant emphasis on the motivational elements within the narratives, seeking a thoughtful and articulate portrayal of the emotions and reflections on their circumstances. The spotlight should be on elucidating the aspirations for positively contributing to the State of Mayflower and underscoring the dedication to the state’s improvement. They seek a well-crafted, articulate presentation that effectively communicates the depth of understanding and earnest goals for the future. Appellees may substantiate their intentions with evidence, such as current participation in a Police Explorer program or a certificate from a reputable business attesting to their positive attitude. They added that this is not merely a matter of business spirit; it revolves around ethical comprehension.
Of course, the Pardons Committee does not have the final say, as the Governor himself makes the ultimate decision on whom he wishes to pardon. However, the committee serves to conduct preliminary assessments and helps the Governor to make the right choices for those looking to start a new life.
